High water release effects

[PigSooner]

I know this year's releases haven't been crazy, but they always get me thinking about how it effects the fish ( especially trout) in the river.

I am sure they just "hunker down" and ride it out, but at what point is it too much for them to handle? Does the increareased water temperature affect them?

I'm curious how the fishing was after the big releases in 2004 & 2008 and if it takes a while for the river to bounce back, or shortly after is it like nothing ever happened?

[Amery]

I just remember the tailwaters being backed up forever, finally I nailed down a pattern that involved a kayak, #16 midges, set 4-6' deep.

[Beaverdamstore]

I floated the river last Saturday. Temps about 46 degree, and lots of trout. The gates this year were not opened enough to affect the trout. Biggest problem are the motor boats. I was in a yak and had a small vbottom with 3 guys come blowing by me at about half throttle less than 20' from me. I got angry and gave the driver the 1 finger salute when he looked back at me. He locked on the brakes and here he came back to me. I got my paddle ready for battle. What an butt there are lots of families and kids in small unpowered craft this time of year. He was apologizing and it hurt his feelings I gave him the salute. He got les than 10' from me before he decided to stop. As they were leaving I heard the dude in the front laughing and thought I should have been able to take the wake and if not I shouldn't be on the water. After they left there was a guy on the bank who had picked up a rock because he thought they were going to attack me. I think I will start carrying some rocks.

I hope the boat driver sees this and knows who I am talking about. I did turn my gopro at them and got video of the 3 guys and the boat registration.

Jim

[Amery]

Yea........I think I will chase smallmouth for a couple months.

[Amery]

Are there any wading opportunities Jim?

[Beaverdamstore]

Yes there is wadeable water at parker bottoms, and the dam. With the water still a little high longer casts are a must to get to the most fish. Not so much anywhere else without a boat or yak.

Jim

[Chef of the Sea]

Is the beaver dam shuttle running from the dam to spider creek?

[Beaverdamstore]

Spider Creek Resort will do a shuttle for you.

[ecce38]

I floated the river last Saturday. Temps about 46 degree, and lots of trout. The gates this year were not opened enough to affect the trout. Biggest problem are the motor boats. I was in a yak and had a small vbottom with 3 guys come blowing by me at about half throttle less than 20' from me. I got angry and gave the driver the 1 finger salute when he looked back at me. He locked on the brakes and here he came back to me. I got my paddle ready for battle. What an butt there are lots of families and kids in small unpowered craft this time of year. He was apologizing and it hurt his feelings I gave him the salute. He got les than 10' from me before he decided to stop. As they were leaving I heard the dude in the front laughing and thought I should have been able to take the wake and if not I shouldn't be on the water. After they left there was a guy on the bank who had picked up a rock because he thought they were going to attack me. I think I will start carrying some rocks.

I hope the boat driver sees this and knows who I am talking about. I did turn my gopro at them and got video of the 3 guys and the boat registration.

Jim

I've had an experience or two like this myself in my kayak. I didn't "salute" anyone though (but perhaps should have).

[Chef of the Sea]

So I've got very little time each week to be away from the fluorescent lights of the kitchen, tommorow being one of those days.... Would I be better off going to the tailwaters or exploring war eagle? I'm really in it for the getting away aspect. I mean, catching fish would be a plus, also I've never caught a smallmouth and they look pretty bad@&$. Wanna stay safe and enjoy is my main priority